Description

The Rioja Malvasia from Bodegas Amaren comes from the El Pomal vineyard which sits at 515 metres above sea level and was planted in 1912. This particular strain, the Malavasia Riojana, sometimes known as Rojal, has traditionally been used by Amaren as part of a mixed field blend with Tempranillo, Viura and other grape varieties.  The grapes are harvested manually in small baskets and a grape by grape selection takes place at the winery.  Fermentation takes place in a concrete egg, with ageing on its own fine lees in the same egg for 14 months with a weekly bâtonnage (stirring).  The wine is completely unoaked and spends 2 years in bottle in the Amaren cellars prior to release.

The results are a simply stunning white and unlike any white Rioja we’ve come across before.  The wine is bright in the glass with pale yellow reflections and intense, bright-green hues highlighting its freshness. The nose shows complex aromas of ripe pineapple and pears as well as delicate floral aromas such as orange blossom, dried flower petals, nutmeg, and some lovely brioche.  The palate is complex, rich and rounded yet has plenty of room for floral and balsamic essences and remaining elegant on the long balanced finish. Simply delicious! 

Bodegas Amaren have some of the highest vineyards in the Rioja Alavesa and are dedicated to the preservation of native varieties whilst making highly individual, modern interpretations from some seriously old vines.  The results are simply stunning and we are delighted to be able to offer a selection of these tiny production, highly characterful wines.  Bodegas Amaren practise a form of ‘A la Carte’ viticulture whereby each strain is treated individually according to it’s variety, situation and the conditions of the vintage.  This attention to detail certainly shows when you taste the wines.